Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov’s father won’t be in his corner come UFC 209, due to President Trump’s Muslim ban. Photo from UFC.com
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) contender Khabib Nurmagomedov will finally have a chance to fight for UFC Interim Lightweight title against Tony Ferguson at UFC 209 this weekend.
However, he will have to do so with a heavy heart, as his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, will reportedly not be able to be in his corner come fight time, after being denied visa due to US President Donald Trump’s current immigration ban.
The elder Nurmagomedov and his wife, who are devout Muslims from the Russian Republic of Dagestan, are among those affected by an executive order banning citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US.
Abdulmanap, an army veteran, is an instrumental figure in his son’s dominant career, and has served as his coach since he was young.
In one infamous video that emerged in 2013, a young Khabib was seen wrestling a bear under his father’s supervision.
“Firstly, a child always wants his father to see what his son is capable of,” Abdulmanap told Russian media outlet ToFight.Ru, regarding his training methods. “It is a pity that there was nothing more interesting when he was younger. In the end, this was a test of character more than exercise.”
The 28-year-old Nurmagomedov (24-0) has been ripping through the competition since joining the UFC in 2012, and is considered by many as a legitimate threat to current UGC Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor.
If he wins the interim title this Sunday, a title unification bout against the Irishman would most likely materialize sometime this year.
“Don’t chicken out please,” Nurmagomedov issued a challenge to McGregor last year. “I know I’m a bad matchup for you but you are the champion and you need to fight the best. It’s OK. Die like an Irish warrior don’t run like a chicken.” Khristian Ibarrola /ra